Good result

Hi tony09890,

It is good news that the nerve conduction tests revealed that the numbness isn't as a result of peripheral neuropathy, sir.  I say this as I'm in the position that I can no longer feel anything from just below my knees to my toes.  The 'problem' for you now, though, is getting your doctor to find an alternative medication for your RA ... if one exists, that is.

Do be aware, sir, that although you don't have neuropathy at the moment, this doesn't mean that it couldn't develop at some point in the future.  You, therefore, still need to pay attention to ANY change in sensations that you feel.  Check your feet daily, too, as if your feet do become numb you are less likely to 'feel' when anything goes wrong.  (I've looked after diabetic patients in the past, one of whom had a drawing pin stuck firmly into the sole of her foot, and she hadn't even known that anything was amiss.)

I wish you well, sir, and hope that your doctor is able to find an 'answer' to the numbness that you're experiencing.

Mick

Goes without saying for diabetics I guess.   I also got excellent results from a recent eye test.   The reason you have these type of tests is to see the effect diabetes is having on your body.   I'm under no illusion that diabetes will not eventually catch up with me, although at the moment I think the RA will win the race.

Excellent news, tony09890, about your recent eye test too.

I may not know you, sir, but I'm truly glad that you're not, apparently, being bothered with diabetes-related complications.  Sadly, I can't say the same for me.  I've developed a number of complications over the years.

That's no good Mick, complications are usually linked to poor control.   I'm a bit of a control freak so don't like anything controlling me - diabetes included.   For the last 10 years or so I've been using the carb counting method, testing regularly and until recently exercising regularly, perhaps that has something to do with my luck so far.  Carb counting, I think, has worked very well for me.   If you're not counting carbs give it a shot - it can't hurt.   I wish you luck my friend - look after yourself!

You ARE, of course, absolutely right, Tony, with your assertion that poorly-controlled DOES increase the risks that a diabetic might go on to develop complications.

Like yourself, I wasn't going to let diabetes control my life.  Unfortunately, I went in the opposite direction to yourself and, initially, denied that I could possibly have diabetes, and even when I accepted it, went against the 'rules'.  (I found it difficult to accept that I had diabetes as I had always been 'super-human' fit.  I'd just left the British Army when I found out that I had it, and was continuing to run marathons, wearing a bergen (rucksack) full of housebricks, to raise money for various charities.  Obviously, at that time I didn't know there was a difference between type 1, type 2 and the various other types of diabetes.)

When I was diagnosed I was told that I was a 'brittle' diabetic.  In days gone by this meant that you had wildly swinging blood glucose levels, though in more modern times it tends to refer to people who simply have poor blood glucose control.

I've been counting carbohyrate content of foods and drinks ever since I was diagnosed diabetic ... some 35+ years ago ... so I don't know any 'other' way.  I've been using a pump since 1998, and this allows me to give more precise insulin infusions in order to cover even smaller snacks, meals or drinks.

I thank you, sir, for wishing me luck.  I, honestly, do try my best, though it's a lot more difficult nowadays.  (I have a hospital bed at home, arranged by my endocrinologist, can't walk far now, even with elbow crutches, and need to use a wheelchair to get very far ... signs, I'm afraid, of just some of the things that can happen to you if you don't keep on top of things.)

Use me as an example of what NOT to do, sir, and make sure you DO keep on top of things.

Best of luck to you, Tony.

Take care of yourself, my new-found friend.

 Mick

Well that's inetersting, we seem to have travelled down a paralell path:   I was a police dog handler in the RAAF for 25 years which is quite a physical job, I was also a bodybuilder and that coupled with running, power walking, cycling, camoeing, rock climbing and various other physical pursuits took an enormous toll on my body - my wife always though I was hyperactive.   I've only been diabetic for 17 years so perhaps I will end up in the same position as you, although I think the RA will finish me off sooner.   Rather annoying, the life I have lead and now due to RA I cannot exerscie or really do anything now.   Life is a total bitch!.

Very happy for you. RA is no fun either perhaps a substitute med ca help.